Looking at Team Dominican Republic for the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Three years ago, the Dominican Republic failed to make it out of the group stage despite one of the deepest lineups in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The DR exited with a 2-2 record in group play. Heading into 2026, the Dominican national team enters the upcoming WBC with high expectations thanks to their roster.

Pitchers

• RHP Albert Abreu
• RHP Sandy Alcantara (Marlins)
• RHP Elvis Alvarado (Athletics)
• RHP Brayan Bello (Red Sox)
• RHP Huascar Brazoban (Mets)
• RHP Seranthony Dominguez (White Sox)
• RHP Camilo Doval (Yankees)
• RHP Carlos Estevez (Royals)
• LHP Wandy Peralta (Padres)
• RHP Dennis Santana (Pirates)
• RHP Luis Severino (Athletics)
• LHP Gregory Soto (Pirates)
• LHP Cristopher Sanchez (Phillies)
• RHP Edwin Uceta (Rays)
• RHP Abner Uribe (Brewers)

The last time that the Dominican Republic played in the World Baseball Classic, the country had a four-man rotation of Sandy Alcantara, Johnny Cueto, Roansy Contreras, and Cristian Javier. This time around, even though some notables are missing, the DR has the opportunity to construct a stronger rotation.

Yes, Alcantara is back. The former Cy Young Award winner is coming off a bounce-back second half with Miami. He’ll be joined by Cristopher Sanchez, the runner-up for the 2025 NL Cy Young Award. Sanchez had a terrific 2025 season, one that saw him strike out 212 batters over a career-high 202 innings in the regular season.

Luis Severino and Brayan Bello, two effective sinkerballers, will tentatively round off that group.

As far as the bullpen is concerned, it’s one of the deepest in the WBC and one that can give opposing teams fits. Simply because A) there are a lot of high-octane arms, and B) the amount of different looks available to manager Albert Pujols.

Abner Uribe and Seranthony Dominguez bring triple-digit fastballs to the table, while Camilo Doval has one of the hardest cutters in the game. Plus, Edwin Uceta, who struck out over 100 batters out of the Rays’ bullpen last season.

Catchers

• C/1B Agustin Ramirez (Marlins)
• C Austin Wells (Yankees)

Agustin Ramirez impressed at the plate in his rookie season. Ramirez, acquired two years ago from the Yankees, hit 21 home runs for the Marlins last season. He does have his defensive inefficiencies, though.

Ramirez will be joined by Yankees catcher Austin Wells. Wells, a sounder defender, hit a career-high 21 home runs last season.

Infielders

• 3B Junior Caminero (Rays)
• 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays)
• 3B Manny Machado (Padres)
• 2B Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks)
• SS Geraldo Perdomo (Diamondbacks)
• SS Jeremy Pena (Astros)
• INF/OF Amed Rosario (Yankees)
• 1B Carlos Santana (Diamondbacks)

The depth among the Dominican Republic infield core is incredible.

Their infield includes, arguably, the best offensive second baseman in Ketel Marte, slugging third baseman Junior Caminero, as well as Geraldo Perdomo, who is also coming off a career season, like Caminero.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., coming off an incredible run in the 2025 playoffs, is set to man first base.

Additionally, the DR also has two good options against lefties, with Amed Rosario and Carlos Santana on the roster.

Outfielders

• CF Oneil Cruz (Pirates)
• CF Julio Rodriguez (Mariners)
• CF Johan Rojas (Phillies)
• LF/RF Juan Soto (Mets)
• RF Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres)

With an outfield like the one listed above, it’s safe to say expectations are high for the Dominican Republic in 2026.

Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, and Fernando Tatis Jr. are three superstars outfielders — and very little needs to be said about any of them. All three can impact any game.

Oneil Cruz, an explosive power hitter with plus speed, and savvy defender Johan Rojas, round out the outfield for the DR.